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Calcification in human breast carcinomas: Ultrastructural observations
Author(s) -
Ahmed Ali
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
the journal of pathology
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.964
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1096-9896
pISSN - 0022-3417
DOI - 10.1002/path.1711170407
Subject(s) - calcification , ultrastructure , pathology , cytoplasm , stroma , vesicle , chemistry , electron microscope , anatomy , membrane , biology , medicine , biochemistry , immunohistochemistry , physics , optics
Calcification in human breast carcinomas has been studied ultrastructurally. Multiple deposits of needle-shaped crystals intimately associated with electrondense material were observed among tumour cells. Similar deposits were present in intracytoplasmic lumina and the adjacent stroma. Cytoplasmic calcification was seen in membrane-bound vesicles and as partially membrane-bound clusters of crystals. It is suggested that the calcification is the result of an active secretory process rather than calcified necrotic or degenerate tumour cells. The possible mechanisms of calcification are discussed. Both electron diffraction and electron probe analysis show that the crystaline material is hydroxyapatite.